The thought of sending a follow up email after interview meetings was not even recognized until a decade (or less) ago. Most job searches started and ended at classified ads, word of mouth, or maybe straight up foot prospecting.

And even then, it was uncommon for someone to send a simple thank you note. After all, you are the best candidate, most qualified, and in general just a cool girl that anyone could get along with. Hence, you are the perfect fit. Right?!

The problem is that everyone who interviewed for that position thinks the exact same thing. And the hiring manager you interview with realizes that. They were picky, thorough, and extensive in their research for the perfect candidate. They don’t want to make the mistake of a bad hire.

Today you will find out exactly what it takes to propel yourself ahead of the game…after the interview. Be so awesome and showcase your fit for the job that they won’t even consider another person for the position.

And trust me when I say this is one the easiest, yet most effective things you can do after an interview. It’s as simple as sending a thank you email.

Why An E-mail?

Email has only been around for a decade or so and yet it permeates into the American business culture. With just a few well thought out words, a computer, and an internet connection you are now able to reach out after a job interview and potentially stand out from the crowd.

But doing, and doing it right, are two different things. Below you’ll find the top three most important attributes of a successful interview follow up email.

Keep It Short

Email was originally designed to be a quick, text focused communication. It was not meant to be an eBook. Too often job searchers think they can (and should) pack all of the follow up information into one email. And the result is a 1,000 word essay on why they are the best fit.

This is not what you want to do. In fact, a great email is not as hard as it might sound. It would be short (no more than 2-3 paragraphs), concise, and personalized. Doing those three things should not cause you to write an epic novel. Instead it will be a short and sweet email that gets to the point quickly.

Understand That It’s E-mail

Keep in mind that email is email; it’s not an instant message. Not everyone is able to access their email 24/7. It may take them a day or so to get back to you. And that is completely ok.

What you don’t want to do is stalk the hiring manager, recruiter, or person who interviewed you. This will only hurt your chances of being hired. In fact, this will probably annoy the hiring manager.

Don’t Make It All About You

I can understand the mentality that you want to really highlight and showcase your best attributes. The thing is that you probably (hopefully) already did that in your interview.

A follow up email is not about you. It’s about what benefit the company you interviewed with will gain by hiring you. It’s about the value you bring.

Will you bring in new business? Will you reduce costs? Will you invent new processes that make the company better as a whole?

These are the questions you want to answer in your follow up e-mail.

To find out more about follow up after interviews visit www.salesproblog.com.